iPad Air lightning connector port issues - Genius Bar replace for free?

[quietstormSD]

My iPad Air's lightning connector isn't working. When I plug it in with a lightning cable it doesn't charge or connect to my mac. It feels like the contacts in the lightning connector port are not making good contact. It slowly was happening more and more, I just had to wiggle the cable a bit and it would start charging. I tried cleaning it out, etc. Also restored the device as new in case it was a software issue.

Does anyone know if the Genius Bar would replace it free of charge? I wonder if anyone else has had this issue. It's way out of warranty and I saw it was $250 for a repair on the Apple website through Apple for "Other iPad repairs", and don't want to do that. I'd just buy an iPad Air 2 with double the storage for that price from craigslist or something

 

[Brookzy]

Just got to go wide-eyed and rosy-cheeked and hope for a nice Genius!

I assume you've tried a new cable?

You've cleaned out the port but make sure it's totally clean (I use compressed air though cue a barrage of people to say that's bad for the device). Fluff always gets in mine even after I think I've cleaned it.

 

[Night Spring]

If it's out of warranty, then they aren't obligated to replace it. That said, you should try taking it in and see what they offer. They've often given me good deals on replacement fees. And if you do decide to upgrade, ask if you can get any money for it under Apple's recycling program.

 

[ahostmadsen]

My iPad Air's lightning connector isn't working. When I plug it in with a lightning cable it doesn't charge or connect to my mac. It feels like the contacts in the lightning connector port are not making good contact. It slowly was happening more and more, I just had to wiggle the cable a bit and it would start charging. I tried cleaning it out, etc. Also restored the device as new in case it was a software issue.

Does anyone know if the Genius Bar would replace it free of charge? I wonder if anyone else has had this issue. It's way out of warranty and I saw it was $250 for a repair on the Apple website through Apple for "Other iPad repairs", and don't want to do that. I'd just buy an iPad Air 2 with double the storage for that price from craigslist or something

I did not have the issue with my iPad, but I had it on several iPhones; and before the lightening connector, with the previous type connector. This seems to be a weak point of Apple devices. I had my iPhones replaced under AppleCare, after they gave up trying to fix it. I doubt they will fix it for free. I think for one iPhone, where I didn't have AppleCare, I bought a new phone. I think there is a quality issue with these connectors.

 

[cerberusss]

My local repair shop fixed it for $40. As good as new.

 

[jermy4]

This happened to my iPhone 5 and it was just an accumulation of lint from being in my pockets. The genius cleaned out the port and I never had any problems with it again. I doubt it's lint in your case but it may be something similar. You could try cleaning it out with a toothpick to see if anything is in there. I tried cleaning mine but it still would wiggle around but the genius got it working great again by cleaning it (not sure what he did differently.

 

[Newtons Apple]

Yep first thing I would do is check the port for lint. If not the problem could be a bad cable. Either way Apple will make it right.